OpenHands Launches Desktop Beta, Updates Canvas and SDK

OpenHands released updates for Agent Canvas 1.6.1 and SDK 1.37.1 this week, alongside the first desktop beta installers for Apple Silicon macOS and Windows, pushing its previously web-centric workflow to local desktops. The update heavily focuses on enhancing context memory, code review, and plugin integration.

Confirmed

Desktop and Versions: The first batch of Agent Canvas desktop beta installers is now available, offering a local packaged installation path that includes first-run configurations and unsigned build warnings. Core versions have been updated to Canvas 1.6.1 and SDK 1.37/1.37.1.

SDK Persistent Memory: SDK 1.37 introduced an optional cross-session persistent memory feature that saves context via MEMORY.md. This mechanism prevents content written by the agent from mixing into AGENTS.md, ensuring pure project context and persistent recovery.

Canvas Workflow Upgrades: Canvas now supports adding recent commit history and file diffs into the context to enable commit-by-commit reviews. Additionally, Canvas supports starting new conversations directly with mounted plugins. The settings page has added update checks, upgrade command entries, and release note links, while allowing users to view plugin files before integration.

Why it matters

These updates significantly improve OpenHands' local viability as an AI coding assistant. Cross-session memory solves the pain point of context loss during long-term development, while the desktop app and deepened plugin workflows lower the barrier for local deployment and integration.

2026-07-25 ~ 2026-07-25 · 6 related posts

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